Robin Hoods Bay won the Winter Derby at Lingfield

Robin Hoods Bay (10/1) swept past Windhoek close home to land the Group Three coral.co.uk Winter Derby at Lingfield.

Runner-up 12 months ago, Ed Vaughan's six-year-old comfortably reversed recent form with a couple of rivals, including favourite Grandeur, when coming with a well-timed challenge under Luke Morris to hit the front near the line.

Held-up in rear as Anaconda cut out the early running with market principals Grandeur and Farraaj tracking the early pace, he still had plenty of horses to pass in the straight.

Grandeur got involved in a bit of bumping and barging with Farraaj on the turn for home and the well-backed Windhoek (who had raced a little freely) got first run on the pair as he made his move round the outside to hit the front as they straightened up.

It appeared as though the Godolphin owned runner had done enough only for Robin Hoods Bay's powerful finish to deny him in the closing stages.

The winning margin was three parts of a length with 33/1 chance Aussie Rules a length away in third.

Vaughan said: "He had a couple of little niggles early on, but I've left 10 per cent of improvement in him each time he's run in order to be ready for today.

"He was 64-rated (as a younger horse), but I've said he could be the best horse I've trained and he's proved it. We'll have to go for the £200,000 race on Good Friday now."

Morris added: "Things worked out nicely for Robin Hoods Bay in the race. The plan was to ride him a bit closer but they went a proper gallop throughout so I was sitting there, taking my time.

"He has got a good turn of foot and the way the race was run played into his hands. Usually, he gives you a good guide of the pace and, because he was off the bridle early doors, it meant that they were going a proper gallop.

"I am sure that he will be back for Good Friday now. What you have seen today is his level of ability and it's a good level."